Dauda Ali Biu, Acting Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, has again reiterated that drivers must drive within speed limits and reduce night trips for better highway safety.
The corps marshal made the call pursuant to the fatal crash that occured during the early hours of Tuesday, along the Kwali- Abaji expressway.
The road safety officer further advised that drivers observe rest period of 30 minutes after every four hours drive so as to avoid the dangers of excessive speed and fatigue on the highways.
Biu gave the advice while also describing the crash as avoidsble.
Investigation into the fatal crash revealed that the crash involved 1 DAF Trailer with registration number BAU 632 XA, and a Toyota Bus bearing the following registration details GME 201 ZU.
Unfortunately, there where a total of 22 occupants involved in the crash, out of which 17 victims all Male were killed. Four other occupants, also male victims who were rescued alive sustained various degrees of injuries, while the remaining male occupant was rescued without any injury.
The main cause of the crash according to the report are, excessive speed (Speed Limit Violation) and fatigue.
Speaking on the causes of the crash, the Acting Corps Marshal maintained that drivers must avoid speeding as crash investigation conducted over the years have attributed major causes of crashes in Nigeria to excessive violation of legal speed limit on all roads. He revealed that the fatigue was as a result of the driver’s indulgence in a night long trip without observing adequate rest within the driving period.
According to him, it was this and many other factors that necessitated the directive given by the Federal Government for the Corps to commence sensitisation and subsequently, enforcement on compulsory installation of speed limiting device.
While warning violators to desist from compromising road traffic regulations, he assured the public that the Corps will step up formidable operational activities that will bring this menace to an end.